wool smells like pee

[Adasmommy]

I have used exclusively wool on two babies now, and I love it.  But a pair of longies I just made from a 100% wool sweater always smells despite excessive washing/lanolizing.  Never had this problem before.  What is up?!

[mrs.yd]

maybe the wool had some sort of acrylic or polyester in it? 

[Adasmommy]

I guess it must have.  I could have sworn the tag said 100% but clearly something isn't adding up.  I'm going to have to retire and replace them which is a shame because they came out SO GOOD LOOKING and I'm short on time and funds at present.  <sigh>

[cristeen]

Some yarns require a lot of lanolizing before they're good to go. I would not assume it is a blend. You may also need to consider more absorbancy under them.

Oh, and do they smell when wet or dry?

[mumkimum]

I'd also wonder when you notice the smell - I've had wool end up a little stinky when I haven't done extra towel-rolling drying that it needed after washing.  If it's wet too long. . something like that might intensify a smell problem (esp. if it's when dry - wet wool will smell somewhat, but like itself - not pee).

What do you use to wash your wool?  Adding some kind of essential oil to your wash or in rinsing could also help.